British Loyalists feud explodes in violence

The PSNI are on a high on alert in are maintaining a high visibility presence in Carrick's Castlemara, a British loyalist housing estate in the North. This follows a violence over the weekend, where a PSNI officer was shot in the back during disturbances between gangs of rival British loyalists. The trouble is the latest infighting between different factions of the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) in the County Antrim town.
The BBC claims that those involved in the disturbances are thought to have connections with the UDA - a British Loyalist terrorist group involved in hundreds of bombings and murders during the decades of conflict in the North. In recent years the UDA 'has become increasingly involved in racketeering and drugs but some elements want a complete end to all forms of violence and criminality.' and this difference has led to the trouble between the different groups for several years.

The policeman was the first to be shot since the police service became the PSNI. PSNI Area Commander, Acting Chief Inspector David Moore said "We would again ask those with influence in the community to continue working to bring calm to the area and we acknowledge the efforts that have already been made,"

The new first minister Ian Paisley has described the weekend violence in Carrickfergus as "extremely worrying".
"These feuds between so-called loyalists are a grave indictment upon their communities and I unreservedly condemn such acts. This was a cowardly deed and will be condemned by all right-thinking people. I would also like to extend my sympathy to the police officer who was shot on Saturday evening"
"Sadly, once started, these feuds take on a momentum and are difficult to stop. The history of such events in that they will only halt when scores are settled, meaning loss of life, with heartache for the innocent men, women and children on the fringes." added Dr Paisley who called for those involved to pull back from the brink.

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams said "I recognise there are elements in the UDA who are trying to move beyond the old agenda. At the same time there can be no toleration of members of illegal organisations taking over housing estates and we saw the shooting of an officer."

Sir Desmond Rea, PSNI Board Chairman said
"I am concerned about the tensions between rival factions of the UDA and would urge all those with influence within this community to help defuse tension and maintain calm in the area,"

A woman who lives in the estate claims the PSNI did nothing when the UDA arrived en masse on Saturday evening.
"You can't sleep in your bed at night because you don't know who's running around," she said.

Frankie Gallagher of the UPRG, which offers political advice to the UDA, said the organisation was not responsible for what happened. "There's five people out of their homes, three people severely beaten, a police officer shot, and the violence is only coming from one side - there is no feud. We are saying we will totally support the police - if anybody can come forward and give evidence, we will support them."
George Gilmore, a member of the group Beyond Conflict - linked to the South East Antrim UDA - said "The mainstream UDA have got funding from the government and they are being told that they need the full six brigadiers. They need the UDA as a whole or they are not getting their funding - this is down to money, that all that this is down to."

A total of six people were arrested in connection with the violence. Three are expected to appear in court today.
A 21-year-old man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder was released without charge on Monday night.

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British Loyalists feud explodes in violence